Individuals called
to the Carmelite life recognise that the charism and the spirituality
of the Order resonate in their hearts, which have been touched
by the living God.

The process of formation gradually unfolds their Carmelite identity,
in constant relation to the charism of the Order which they share
with others, contributing to their own growth to maturity and
to the development of the Order itself.

21. Participating in a long history

To enter into the
Carmelite experience is to become part of an ongoing story. It
is to enter into a long human, spiritual, ecclesial and apostolic
tradition which has been tested by time. Although there is a need
to reread, re-interpret and deepen our understanding of this tradition,
this does not mean that we must start from scratch. This work
of continuous revision provides individuals with many opportunities
to make their own contributions, with their specific gifts, thereby
enriching, developing and renewing the life of the Order.(37)

22. A common vocation

All Carmelites participate
in the one and only vocation to Carmel, in various and complementary
ways, according to the call and the gifts of each individual.
Whether or not they are ordained, all make the same profession
to religious life(38). For this reason, basic formation to Carmelite
life is the same for all; it is then supplemented with appropriate
and specific formation to particular ministries and services.(39)